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Estates General Called
The Estates General was an assembly called by King Louis XVI. The three french estates were called to propose solutions to relieve the stress on their economic situation and deal with a societal crisis. This was the first time the Estates-General was called since 1484 after King Louis XI death. The meeting ended with deputies from the Third Estate who feared being overruled by the two privileged estates. -
National Assembly
1 month after the Estates General the third estate decided amongst themselves that it would be better to break away from the crown. The third estate declared themselves to be the 'National Assembly'. The purpose of the National Assembly was to elect a president, pass laws, and provide a platform that ensures representatives could publicly debate issues. During the time of the National Assembly feudalism was abolished. -
Tennis Court Oath
Members of the newly formed National Assembly gathered to enter their meeting hall at Hotel des Menus-Plairis in Versailles. when they came to the building they found the door locked and guarded by royal troops. The members of the party decided they would go find another spot to meet and found and empty indoor tennis court. The 577 members in the room took an oath, they pledged to remain assembled until a new constituin had been implemented. -
The Storming of the Bastille
The Storming of the Bastille occoured in Paris, France. The siege took months and when revolutionary insurgents finally siezed the prison they were able to free 7 prisoners. Bastille was a political prison and was seen as a symbol of the monarchy's abuse of power. The fall of Basttile was flashpoint of the revolution. -
A Constitutional Monarchy Formed
The French Legistative Assembly convened in Paris, initiating the constitutional regime. The French Constitution of 1791 was the first written constitution in France, power and influence were removed making monarch only a title. The king was now under supervision of the government. -
"l'abolition de la royauté"
l'abolition de la royauté (the abolition of royalty) was a proclamation by the French National Convention that completely abolished the monarchy. King Louis and his queen, Mary-Antoinette, were imprisoned. The National Assembly then formed the French First Republic. -
King Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette Beheaded
One day after being convicted (by a narrow majority) of conspiracy with foreign powers King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine on Jan.1st. Nine months later on Oct. 19 Marie Antoinette was convicted of treason by the tribunal and was executed by guillotine -
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Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror was a period of the French Revolution following the Creation of the First Republic. Maximilien Robespierre leads many to their death using the Committee of Public Safety as a way to execute the public for accusations of treason. 16,594 people were sentenced to death during the Reign of Terror.
